What does fishtailing refer to in the context of vehicle operation?

Fishtailing refers to the excessive side-to-side movement of a vehicle, which commonly occurs when the rear end loses traction, often due to slippery conditions or sudden steering adjustments. In the context of vehicle operation, particularly with vehicles that are towing equipment or trailers, fishtailing can become pronounced when the towed load begins to sway, causing the rear of the towing vehicle to oscillate back and forth. This can create a dangerous situation, as it may lead to a loss of control.

This movement is differentiated from other vehicle handling actions, such as changing lanes quickly, parking in reverse, or turning sharply at high speeds. While those actions involve directional changes or maneuvers, fishtailing specifically highlights a loss of stability and control usually linked to external factors like road conditions or vehicle load distribution.